The Saxon Hotel & Spa, Johannesburg
More photosThe Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa in Johannesburg is a sanctuary of refined elegance tucked away in the exclusive suburb of Sandhurst. Originally built in 1990 as a private residence for billionaire Douw Steyn, it has since transformed into one of the city’s most prestigious boutique hotels. Its history is deeply intertwined with South African leadership; after his release from prison, Nelson Mandela famously retreated here to complete his autobiography, ‘Long Walk to Freedom.’
The hotel’s architecture and design are masterfully curated to celebrate African culture. The interiors serve as a private gallery, featuring an extensive collection of ethically sourced artifacts and contemporary art from across the continent. Guests can relax in serene, lush gardens spread across ten acres, providing a tranquil escape that feels worlds away from the nearby bustling economic hub of Sandton.
A standout feature is the dedicated 24/7 butler service, which ensures a highly personalized experience for every visitor. For relaxation, the Saxon Spa offers world-class treatments, including specialized hammam and sound therapy rituals. Dining at the hotel is equally memorable, particularly at the restaurant Qunu, which is named after Mandela’s home village and known for its sophisticated, cathedral-like atmosphere.
While the property is a self-contained oasis, it is just a short drive from major attractions like the vibrant Sandton City mall. For those interested in deeper cultural exploration, the insightful Apartheid Museum and the historic site of Constitution Hill are also within reach, offering a poignant look into the country’s journey toward democracy.
Expert reviews
“In the exclusive suburb of Sandhurst, adjacent to the commercial and shopping center of Sandton, the Saxon Hotel has repeatedly received awards for its excellence. Heads of state have stayed here, including Nelson Mandela, who came here after his release from prison and to work on his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Johannesburg.
“After the private residence transformed into one of the city’s most sought-after boutique hotels, Mandela continued to be a regular guest. Photos of the leader adorn the hotel, and Saxon even dedicated a room — the African-influenced Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite — in his honor.”
“A historic Johannesburg hotel, set in a 10-acre oasis of manicured gardens, attracting a well-heeled mix of guests and locals. Nelson Mandela lived here when it was a private home and wrote his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom.”
“If you’re not bowled over by features such as private elevators, personal attendants and the country’s finest day spa, you certainly will be by the nifty pool, the exclusively designed suites and the top-notch restaurant presided over by famed Cape Town chef Luke Dale-Roberts.”
What guests liked
- Top location
- Comfortable beds
- Swimming pool
- Free Wifi
- Friendly staff
Location
Recent guest reviews
4 March 2025
My favourite place to stay in Johannesburg. i'm a repeat visitor.
Brilliant breakfast, good choices. i always love a Saxon breakfast
Absolutely nothing
17 February 2025
A beautiful South African experience…
The professional staff,the beautiful property,the room and the food.
The toilet flushing was not great and our basin drainage was slow.
19 November 2024
Amazing experience. Perfect location to have a couple of meetings then hassle free to not drive anywhere but stay over
Everything . From the professionalism of the staff to the food and heated pool. The room was amazing as well. Very comfortable
N/A
10 November 2024
Luxurious stay in the heart of Sandton
We loved the tranquility of the gardens and pools. We loved the fact that this property is a hidden gem in the center of sandton which made us feel like we were in the middle of a forest, and not a large city. The High Tea was a most memorable and delightful experience.
It would've been better if we had a little tea and coffee station within our room.
4 September 2024
Attention to detail and balancing staff
The location and staff were excellent
Nothing
26 August 2024
Best stay imaginable. Superb!
Elegant. Luxurious. Safe.
24 August 2024
Beautiful oasis in Johannesburg.
The hotel grounds are beautiful. They're an oasis in a busy city. The hotel is beautiful, well maintained with friendly, professional and capable staff. We felt looked after by people who couldn't do enough for you.
Nothing.
11 August 2024
My husband had an incredible birthday.
Everything was top tier.
13 May 2024
Very special experience , if you want to Relaxation and get away from home go to Saxon.
The staff was wonderful and very professional especially Yolanda , the environment was classical , the welcoming experience was priceless from the gate to the reception well coordinated - the interior architecture was unmatched very beautiful them . the staff provided first class service - I am well travelled and this experience was priceless .
They should fire the chef I cook much better then him or her - I didn't enjoy the food . I expected a jaccuzi bath?
3 December 2023
Perfect place. Loved every minute
Everything!
30 November 2023
Luxury, Class and Brilliant Service
Everything
Nothing
29 November 2023
Beautiful hotel, good location but the terrace on our suite was unacceptable
The hotel is gorgeous and the staff excellent. It was more formal then other hotels we stayed in and the staff were in the main very friendly.
I booked two suites with garden terraces. Our friends terrace was very pleasant but our was terrible. We would not have sat out because we were looking straight at a large broken manhole and pieces of concrete that were just lying against the wall
9 November 2023
It was out of this world! Does not feel like you are in South Africa.
Everything. Elegant and very presidential.
Overall service, beauty of nature and everything is luxurious rooms.
Nothing
9 November 2023
Excellent stay, unforgettable memories made.
The elegance of the hotel. The history of the hotel. Everything is beautiful & loved the African themed deco. The meals were glorious! I enjoyed the afternoon tea, Faith hosted us for it & she was amazing
Absolutely nothing
28 September 2023
100% recommend . Superb hotel!
Spectacular ! The staff are exceptional . The facilities, rooms, decor and overall ambience was just absolutely amazing .
Nothing to fault
17 August 2023
the best service you can ever get. Beautiful location
everything just superb.
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits (additional charge)
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Shuttle service (additional charge)
- - Airport shuttle (additional charge)
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Currency exchange
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
- - Private check-in/check-out
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Sauna
- - Fitness centre
- - Golf course (within 3 km) (additional charge)
- - Spa & wellness centre (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Hot tub/Jacuzzi
- - Hammam (additional charge)
- - Beauty services
- - Facial treatments
- - Waxing services
- - Make-up services
- - Hair treatments
- - Manicure
- - Pedicure
- - Haircut
- - Hair colouring
- - Hair styling
- - Body treatments
- - Body scrub
- - Body wrap
- - Spa facilities
- - Steam room
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Foot bath
- - Spa/wellness packages
- - Back massage
- - Neck massage
- - Foot massage
- - Couples massage
- - Hand massage
- - Full body massage
- - Fitness
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
- - Game drives (additional charge)
- - Live music/performance
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor pool
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor pool (all year)
- - Outdoor furniture
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping (additional charge)
Parking
- - Parking garage
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible
- - Toilet with grab rails
- - Raised toilet
- - Lower bathroom sink
Pool and wellness
- - Infinity pool
- - Heated pool
- - Shallow end
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Sun umbrellas
- - Swimming pool
Transport
- - Airport pick up
- - Airport drop off
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key card access
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Thermometers for guests provided by property
- - Face masks for guests available
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